West Ham hope to have Ben Johnson available for Norwich City clash
West Ham are hoping to have Ben Johnson available for selection for Saturday’s match against Norwich City, according to Claret and Hugh.
The full-back, 21, was tipped to spend time on the sidelines after going off against Chelsea earlier this month (December), but he could soon be back in action, with weekend’s (18 December) game against the Canaries at the London Stadium mooted as a possible return.
Vladimir Coufal and Arthur Masuaku have lined up at right-back and left-back respectively in Johnson’s absence, and while they have not been bad, the Hammers could do with the youngster right now ahead of the festive fixtures.
Claret and Hugh reported on their website: “He has started training on grass this week after suffering what we have been told was a soft tissue issue rather than a hammie.”
Good news
Johnson appeared to have played his last game for 2021 after it was initially thought he had hurt his hamstring, but hearing that he is back on the pitch is good news without a doubt.
West Ham were held to a goalless draw by Burnley on Sunday (12 December), and things could have been different had he been at Turf Moor.
He has proven to be very crucial to the Hammers defence and attack so far this season, weighing in with a goal in 13 appearances across all competitions.
Wednesday’s (15 December) trip to Arsenal will come too soon for him, but having him back with the number of games available between now and January will be massive.
West Ham will still be without Angelo Ogbonna and Kurt Zouma in the long-term, and Moyes could be forced to bring in a cover in January.
Injuries are the last thing the Irons need right now in their bid to keep their top-four ambitions alive, and seeing Johnson return to action next weekend will please the fans given how impressive he has been in 2021-22.
In other West Ham news, an amazing attacker is making personal arrangements for Hammers switch in January.
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